Heterogeneous catalyst for transesterification and method of preparing same
AssigneeCrystaphase Products, Inc.
InventorsUmakant Pravinchandra Joshi, Peter Gregory Ham
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Abstract
A transesterification catalyst that is heterogeneous and a method for preparing said transesterification catalyst are provided. The catalyst can be used in a variety of transesterification reactor configurations including CSTR (continuous stirred tank reactors), ebullated (or ebullating) beds or any other fluidized bed reactors, and PFR (plug flow, fixed bed reactors). The catalyst can be used for manufacturing commercial grade biodiesel, biolubricants and glycerin.
Claims22
A method of preparing alkyl ester using a transesterification catalyst, the method comprising:
- providing a transesterification catalyst having the formula ZxQy(PO4)nH2O, wherein:
- Z is selected from the group consisting of sodium and lithium,
- Q is selected from the group consisting of calcium and barium,
- x is a rational number in the range from 0.5 to 4,
- y is a rational integer in the range from 2 to 8, and
- n is a rational integer in the range from 4 to 8;
- and wherein the transesterification catalyst having the formula ZxQy(PO4)nH2O is supported on a ceramic substrate;
- and
- reacting one or more triglycerides and an alcohol in the presence of the catalyst and converting the triglycerides and alcohol to alkyl ester and glycerin.
A method of preparing alkyl ester using a transesterification catalyst, the method comprising:
- providing a transesterification catalyst having the formula ZxQy(PO4)nH2O, wherein:
- Z is selected from the group consisting of potassium, sodium and lithium,
- Q is selected from the group consisting of calcium, magnesium and barium,
- x is a rational number in the range from 0.5 to 4,
- y is a rational integer in the range from 2 to 8, and
- n is a rational integer in the range from 4 to 8;
- and wherein the transesterification catalyst having the formula ZxQy(PO4)nH2O is supported on a ceramic substrate comprising zirconia, silica, alumina, or combinations thereof;
- and
- reacting one or more triglycerides and an alcohol in the presence of the catalyst at a temperature in the range from 60-80 degrees Celsius and converting the triglycerides and alcohol to alkyl ester and glycerin.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.